Loading icon
Health Information Center

Substance Use Disorder

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Substance Use Disorder

(Drug Abuse; Drug Addiction; Drug Dependence)

Definition

A substance use disorder is when a person keeps using a substance despite physical, emotional, or social problems. The substance can be illegal drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, GHB, or heroin, marijuana, or prescription medicine. People may also misuse chemicals like inhalants.

Causes

The cause is not known. Things like genetics, the environment, and peer pressure may play a role.

Chemical Release in Brain.

Drugs stimulate unnecessary chemical release in the brain. Long-term drug use may change brain function.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

neurotransmitterhttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=69736973synapse_neurotransmitter.JPGneurotransmitterNULLjpgneurotransmitterNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\synapse_neurotransmitter.JPGNULL69NULL2008-02-253003996973_11896Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • Poor control of the substance, such as:
    • Taking it in much higher amounts for a longer time
    • Problems trying to cut down or stop using it
    • Spending large amounts of time getting or using it or recovering from using it
    • Craving it
  • Repeated work, school, home, or relationship problems due to substance use
  • Using the substance even though it means risking physical safety or knowing it will make existing physical or mental problems worse
  • Repeated trouble with the law, such as driving while under the influence of a substance or stealing to get the substance

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. They will also ask about history of substance use. An exam will be done.

Blood and urine tests may be done to check for substances.

Treatment

There is no cure. The goals are to help someone to stop using the substance. Early steps also include helping to clear drug from the body to ease withdrawal.

It can take a long time to recover. Many people may need to be treated several times. It may include 1 or more of the following:

Prevention

To lower the risk of this problem:

  • Learn about the risks from substance use.
  • Do not spend time with people who use.
  • Learn ways to handle peer pressure.
  • Teach children about the dangers of using substances.
  • Seek therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Withdrawal Management

Drugs can create a physical dependency. This means there can be some difficult changes to the body once the drug is stopped. Treatment can help to ease some of these symptoms and provide care for severe reactions. It is often done in a care clinic with medical professionals.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse website. Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction.
  • Kampman K, Jarvis M. American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) National Practice Guideline for the Use of Medications in the Treatment of Addiction Involving Opioid Use. J Addict Med. 2015 Sep-Oct;9(5):358-367.
  • Opioid abuse and dependence. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/opioid-abuse-and-dependence.
  • Treatment approaches for drug addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse website. Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction.

Contributors

  • Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.